View source for 6323/Samus and the Temple of the Dragon King

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2019/01/27
|Location=Temple of Bahamut
|Synopsis=Bahamut introduces Samus to his temple.
|Cast of Characters=528, 6875
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Naturally, Bahamut offered Samus a place to stay within the temple after the encounter with the Frost Zu. Whether she stayed in the temple or not was up to her. He is now enjoying a robust breakfast consisting of several courses and one entire pig that is still on the roasting spit over his personal fire pit in the main room of the temple. He awaits either Samus emerging from the guest quarters, her arrival at the temple, or a message from her to meet somewhere. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the meantime, he picks up the huge skewer that is the roasting spit and enjoys pig on a stick with plenty of almost cat-like rumbling.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>After returning her ship to its prior location on the Bevelle landing platform, and talking to the guard, Samus walks in, wearing full armor. "That is a LOT of food, "she finally notes, gesturing to the entire pig and everything. The arm-cannon is still glowing with blue pinstriping instead of the yellow it was there.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am a lot of dragon." Bahamut says with a grin, seeming very relaxed atop his throne. Several priestesses mill about, and all greet Samus at least once when they pass her. "Feel free to help yourself, though. I doubt even I can eat all of this. My priestesses spoil me. Not that I complain." he says, winking to one who looks his way and causing her to giggle before continuing on to her duties. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The temple itself is quite spectacular. It is a vast hollow sphere filled with glowing hover paths and floating platforms, all eventually leading to the sphere in the center that serves as the actual temple. It is all dark blue metal along the interior wall of the hollow spherical cave and the exterior wall of the smaller sphere that serves as Bahamut's abode and the priestesses' quarters. Inside, it is all gold, royal purple, and gunmetal blue, and the entire interior is done in extravagant architecture and overly complicated inlays.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran glances around. "So these women just... live here to serve you? Why?" She frowns. "I don't undrstand." Samus is in full armor, knowing that only Bahamut here would really know the turth of what's under the armor. "And... this place is _far_ more technological than I would've expected when I first heard of this realm."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut shrugs at the questions. "Because it pleases them. Because they feel like they are making a difference here, or are former priestesses of Yevon and wished to serve a noble cause, or...well, there are many reasons why priestesses might join. I require nothing of them except that they wear the robes of the temple and that they remain pure of heart and honest, obey all laws of the land, and pursue their dreams." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He takes a bite of his pig on a stick, then continues after swallowing. "The priestesses pursue many things on their own time. Many are even guardians." He rumbles lightly after that. "And it is true, the technology within my temple is beyond most everything else in Spira. We have only recently come out of a dark age of sorts. Technology was forbidden because it was believed to be sacrilige, and as such was believed to summon a great evil known as Sin. That was never true, but...frightened people will accept many things if they believe it will spare them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran just ponders as she looks around. "I'm not sure I can do that," she finally states, for one not wanting to reveal her true identity. "It is nice to meet you at least." She just ponders, sitting down in a chair (which groans a bit under the weight of Samus and armor).<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut nods once. "But, at least you have a good reason. Keeping both you and those around you safe. But, honesty does not necessarily mean revealing everything about yourself. Answering a question with 'I would rather not say' is as honest as any other answer." He raises an eyeridge. "Why does that matter anyway? Were you interested in serving Spira as more than just a bounty hunter?" <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once she is seated, a pleasant priestess approaches Samus and offers a warm smile. "What would you like?" she asks, gesturing at the long table and the many foods that adorn it. "If you want something not already here, I am sure we can get it for you." This particular priestess is about 5'4", and only her face is visible thanks to the robes and hood she wears. Kind, dark brown eyes regard Samus from above soft features.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran blinks. "Perhaps..." She sighs softly, looking down. "No thank you," she murmurs to the priestess. She takes a deep breath. "My... entire life has been wrapped in sadness and hatred. Sadness for the loss of my parents, hatred for the one who did it. I don't know what my fate would be had Ridley never come to my colony world. I would probably not be a warrior - would be a normal human. Probably a farmer..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut considers that for a moment, letting out a long draconic rumble in the process. "Tell me...how many have been saved because you were driven down the path of the warrior? Would those people be alive if you were finding your nobility in the life of a farmer rather than a hunter? Do you serve only yourself or do you go where you are needed?" He takes a bite of his meal to let that sink in for a moment...and of course because he is hungry. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Pain is part of life. But, those that shoulder more pain than others and perservere rather than give up keep that pain from falling upon others." he continues, a small smile upon his draconic features. "I myself know pain quite well. Before I became a dragon, I was part of a race known as the Al Bhed. We are a race that excels in engineering, and as such were persecuted by all who followed the teachings of the Chursh of Yu Yevon. Many of us have died at the hands of ignorant believers, and many more died when the Church sacked Home. But, if not for that, I may not have been selected by Bahamut to be his avatar. Pain gives strength so long as you do not let it overwhelm you, and can lead to greatness."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran nods. "So you understand," she states softly. "But... it'd be nice to release the burden for a while. Perhaps something selfless... like this. And... being with a dragon who isn't a murderous monster might be good for my psyche. I don't want to be a racist..." She just shakes her head. "I wouldn't know how to start - if word that I was here minus my armor got around - you could face orbital bombardment."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut nods as he listens, then chuckles at the last part. "So, stay in your armor. Remove it while at a local hotel. Remove it only here in the cloister. Whatever you choose, this place is well protected. I myself count as much as an orbital strike as any weapon that might be trained against me. But, even if you do not join the temple, you have proven yourself as far as I am concerned. You may visit anytime. And if you do ever need to get away from your life for a while, all the priestesses know not to press the matter when it comes to history. As I said, I require nothing of them except a pure heart and honesty. Many priestesses have never shared information about their previous lives. I do not ask, instead I allow them to cleanse themselves through service or simply start anew if that is what they wish, even assuming a new name to symbolize their new life. Many eventually share when they come to trust both me and the other priestesses, and it helps to soothe their troubled souls." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He chuckles. "As for your racism...I would say even if you are guilty of it, you do not let it show. A gut reaction is not the same as racism. If you were truly racist, you would not feel bad at all about thinking I was dangerous and I doubt you would be so willing to visit me in my own home."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran nods. "Maybe some spiritual healing is what I need. If you don't mind me taking an assumed alias... and wearing a garment under those robes... I'll try it out." She ponders. "As long as I use an alias, it should be fine." She sighs softly as she shakes her head. "My name is feared - my face... not so much."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut smirks at that. "Many a fearsome warrior has a face such as yours in this world. Those who are put at ease by your beauty are fools. Understandable fools, but fools nonetheless." He finishes off his porker, then lets out a satisfied rumble and pats his belly. "So, you wish to become an initiate?" he asks Samus. "Wearing things under the robe is quite acceptable. Not revealing your face would be a bit unusual, but even that is workable if you prefer it that way."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran smiles faintly. "No, you misunderstand. I keep my identity a closely-guarded secret. Nobody would associate my face with that of my identity." She smiles faintly. "I trusted you so I let you see. I don't mind if my face isvisible, as long as it's not associated with my name."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut lets out a rumble as he listens. "I am quite trustworthy. Still, it is a bit surprising that you would be so quick to trust if this creature called Ridley has tortured you so. That too shows strength, and I would be quite honored to have you join the ranks of the priestesses. It shouldn't be too hard to find you a robe. Of course, you have to be officially registered as an initiate. It would be quite easy for someone to join under false pretenses, but that is why a full priestess earns her title through hard work, displaying her trustworthiness and loyalty, and of course that she has goodness in her heart."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran nods. "I'm six foot three," she muses. "If you don't mind using an alias... I can give it a try. Some peace and quiet might do me some good." She ponders. "I don't want to join under false pretenses - just a false name. And are there any priests, or just priestesses?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hmm. There are men who have joined the priesthood, but they rarely spend their days here. Cooking and cleaning for a figure such as myself is seen as woman's work by most, not to mention that few men can be trusted to remain pure of heart surrounded by so many lovely ladies. The men in my service are generally part of the Temple Guard or are guardians in the surrounding area. Some serve in other ways, such as smithing or farming." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut chucklesd and shakes his head at something. "And...I would be lying if I said I did not prefer it that way myself. Perhaps it is a bit selfish, but so many kind and lovely faces do wonders to reduce my stress."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran smiles faintly. "Don't most men like having a bunch of beautful women around them? Well... if you could provide robes that'd fit me - I'm rather tall - I could come out and sign up... with a fake name of course." She smiles faintly. "I think I'd use my mother's name, Virginia."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut laughs at Samus's candor and nods. "I suppose that is true. And you did mention your height already, not that it is not quite obvious. In fact, there is a sister already in the priesthood who is quite close to your height." He turns to a nearby priestess. "Would you be so kind as to have Alisa report here with one of her spare robes? And then gather the others to welcome a new initiate to the priesthood." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The priestess nod and heads off, then Bahamut looks at Samus again. "Virginia." he repeats with a bit of amusement, as if he recognizes the name. "As part of your induction, you must be as truthful as you can be. Introduce yourself as Virginia, but let them know that Virginia is not your real name and you would prefer they not ask about your real name or past."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:6875|Samus Aran (6875)}} has posed:'''<br>Samus Aran nods slowly. "That is fair. I'll just wait in the head. Oh, is it acceptable to be armed in here, or should I not be?" She slips into the lavatory. "Just have her bring the robe here," she calls as she waits in the stall - a bright glow flaring as Samus is now in her Zero Suit. She waits - wondering if she's making the right choice. She closes her eyes amd meditates on her recent decision. She can always walk out if it's not right.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "The head?" Bahamut asks as Samus heads toward the nearby bathroom. He assumes she meant said bathroom, then puzzles over how such a thing came to be called a head on her world. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It isn't long before there is a knock on the door, and the priestess from earlier, the one who had nothing visible but her face, offers the robe by opening the door just enough to hold it out for Samus. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Samus emerges and returns to the main room, there is a company of about a dozen priestesses, all lined up where the table and chairs had been mere minutes ago. Now instead of a grand dining hall it is a grand throne room, and the priestesses have formed two lines in front of it. Bahamut is standing in front of his throne in his best regal pose, arms crossed over his chest and wings spread wide as she stands tall and proud. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The priestess smiles to Samus and holds out a hand. "Come with me." she says, those kind brown eyes focused on Samus's eyes. If Samus agrees, the priestess leads Samus to the far end of the corridor created by the two lines of priestesses, all of whom are smiling and watching Samus. Bahamut too stays facing her the entire time.<br> <br>
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